Zimbo in SA supports Mighty Warriors

Sikhumbuzo Moyo, Senior Sports Reporter
A Zimbabwean based in South Africa, Francis Dube, has promised to take the Mighty Warriors to a sumptuous lunch upon their arrival for the Cosafa Women’s Championship that gets underway in Port Elizabeth next month.

The Mighty Warriors are in Group C alongside Swaziland, Namibia and guest nation Uganda.

The Mighty Warriors get their campaign underway on September 13 against Namibia, who they beat 4-0 in the African Women’s Cup of Nations qualifiers in April.

“I have decided to contribute in my little way by psyching up the girls when they arrive here ahead of the start of the tournament. A sumptuous lunch awaits them as soon as they touch down and I am also mobilising other Zimbabweans based here to lend their support in cash and kind as we bid to wrestle the Cosafa Cup from South Africa, who beat us at home last year,” said Dube.

After their opening match, the girls will take on Swaziland in the second group game before winding up their Group C encounter against Uganda on September 17.

There are 12 countries that have been grouped into three pools of four.

South Africa, Botswana, Madagascar and Malawi are in Group A, while Zambia, Lesotho, Mozambique and another guest nation Cameroon are in Group B.

If the Mighty Warriors emerge as group winners, as is expected, they will then square off against Group A winners, but if they progress as best runners-up, their opponents will be winners of Group B.

“We will be there throughout the girls’ matches and are confident that they will progress from the group stage and go all the way to the final,” said Dube.

Mighty Warriors coach Sithethelelwe “Kwinji 15” Sibanda yesterday named a 31-member squad that is expected to go into camp next week to prepare for the championship.

Mighty Warriors squad
Goalkeepers: Shebba Rauli (Auckland), Chido Dzingirai (Correctional), Lindiwe Magwede (Cyclone Stars), Cynthia Shonga (Faith Drive)
Defenders: Sheila Makoto (Blue Swallows), Lynett Mutokuto (Black Rhinos), Sarudzai Chikowore (Harare City), Edline Mutumbami (Blue Swallows), Danai Bhobho (Harare City), Nobuhle Majika (MSU), Nobukhosi Ncube (Correctional), Sithembile Nyoni (Weerams), Diana Nyika (MSU)
Midfielders: Emmaculate Msipa, Mavis Chirandu, Felistas Muzongondi (Black Rhinos) Marjory Nyaumwe (Correctional), Greater Bande (Cyclone Stars), Rumbidzai Zhoya (Auckland), Peacemore Kenende (Inline Academy), Evermore Mutandwa (Weerams), Kudzanayi Chiparausha (Blue Swallows), Concilia Madotsa (Faith Drive)
Strikers: Maudy Mafuruse (Faith Drive), Rutendo Makore (Black Rhinos), Erina Jeke (Correctional), Berita Kabwe (Correctional), Shamiso Mutasa (Harare City) Elizabeth Bvunzawabaya (Cyclone Stars), Susan Nyama (Herentals), Concilia Madotsa (Faith Drive)